OMEN
08-13-2006, 09:15 PM
Credit: PWInsider.com
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This Sunday is the latest pay per view offering from Total Nonstop Action Wrestling and like the previous twenty-one, it will emanate from Soundstage 21 at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. This month’s main event will feature Sting as he attempts to remove the cancer from TNA as well as win the NWA World Heavyweight Title as he faces Jeff Jarrett. Also on the pay per view, the Latin American Exchange will try to bring the NWA World Tag Team Titles ‘across the border’ as they face the current champions, A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels. We will also see Rhino, Monty Brown, and Samoa Joe square off in a Falls Count Anywhere match. In addition to those matches, we will find out the number one contenders for the X Division and Tag Team Titles. How will things unfold as Total Nonstop Wrestling gets closer to their first monthly pay per view outside of Orlando in October when Bound For Glory goes to Detroit?
Will Sting be able to add the NWA World Heavyweight Title to his list of accomplishments or will Jeff Jarrett be able to hold off another challenger to his title? What will Scott Steiner and Christian Cage in the corners for Jeff Jarrett and Sting mean for that match or will they be neutralized? Will Kevin Nash become the number one contender for the X Division title? Will Homicide and Hernandez be able to use their recent actions as a bridge to the NWA World Tag Team Titles or will Daniels and Styles successfully defend them? Who will emerge as the next challengers for the tag titles? Will Petey Williams be able to return to the top of the X Division ladder by defeating Senshi?
Here are the matches that have been announced for the pay per view:
Jeff Jarrett (with Scott Steiner) versus Sting (with Christian Cage) for the NWA World Heavyweight Title
This match is the result of Sting’s victory in the Road to Victory match at Victory Road. In the past, whenever Jeff Jarrett has defended his title, he has had someone get involved in the match to help Jarrett keep the title. This time, Jeff Jarrett will not be the only person with someone in their corner for the match. Thanks to Jim Cornette and Sting, Christian Cage will be at ringside to neutralize the influence of Scott Steiner. Will the presence of Captain Charisma be the thing that will give Sting the victory or will it be another night when an opponent is outwitted by Jeff Jarrett? Will we see Christian Cage ‘pull a Monty Brown at Destination X 2005’ and turn on Sting to help Jarrett win the title or will Christian prove Sting right that he can trust the man who was the last person to hold the World Title before Jarrett?
Jeff Jarrett has been the champion for this reign since Slammiversary when we saw Larry Zbyszko and Earl Hebner prevent Sting and Christian Cage from winning the King of the Mountain match. During the time that Total Nonstop Action Wrestling has been in Orlando, he has not been one of the more popular wrestlers. While he has not received the same ‘Jarrett Heat’ from his earlier title runs, Jarrett is definitely not one of the more popular wrestlers in the Impact Zone. Jarrett brings an older style of wrestling to counter the high flying exploits of the X Division. While Jarrett’s style is an ‘old school’ one, he handles the situation perfectly. One thing that has helped Jarrett during his time in the company has been the people with whom he has aligned. Jarrett has aligned himself with the likes of Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Monty Brown, America’s Most Wanted, and others. His latest ‘BFF’ is Scott Steiner and Steiner has been able to help Jarrett frustrate Sting and the rest of the company as he stays on top of the mountain. Scott Steiner does not have a match on the pay per view so he can focus on protecting Jarrett’s title run. There have been some potential cracks in the alliance and with Steiner not being able to get a title match, maybe Steiner will do the same thing that Monty Brown did and try to get a title match as payback to Jarrett. If you need someone in the company to be your ‘muscle’, I guess there isn’t a better choice than Scott Steiner. Steiner has been there for Jarrett since he debuted in March to take care of the returning Steve Borden. Jarrett does not have a good track record in Hard Justice pay per views since he lost the title to A.J. Styles in 2005 when Tito Ortiz knocked out Jarrett to allow Styles to get the three count.
Since Sting returned to Total Nonstop Action in January, he has had one goal and that is to get rid of Jeff Jarrett. On Sunday, he will get another chance to face Jarrett in the ring. This time it is in a one-on-one match and the stakes have been raised because it is for the NWA World Heavyweight Title. According to the Orlando fans, Sting still has ‘it’ and it is time to see if ‘it’ will include his first NWA World Title reign. Based on his performance over the past eight months, Sting is still able to hang with the wrestlers in the company. Sting has faced adversity in the past and has been able to overcome it despite the odds against him. While it always appears that he has been one step behind Jarrett due to Scott Steiner’s presence, this time it will be neutralized by Christian Cage. During the time that Sting has been back in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, his closest ally has been Christian Cage. That man will be in his corner on Sunday. There is a history of people who have been in the corner of an opponent of Jeff Jarrett only to join forces with Jarrett. Christian has appeared to be frustrated over the past few months with the attention that Sting has received, but when push comes to shove, Christian is there for Sting. Will that trust remain after Sunday night?
I think the match will start off with Steiner attempting to interfere in the match only to be stopped by the referee and Christian. Jarrett and Sting will fight outside the ring and Christian will keep Steiner from interfering for the first few minutes, but about five minutes into the match, Christian will be unable to stop Steiner from getting involved. While the involvement will be minimal, it will be enough to shift the momentum in the match to the champion. Sting will appear to have the match wrapped up but Steiner will pull the referee out and incapacitate the official. This will allow Steiner to attack Sting and all four men will get involved. Before another official can get to the ring, Steiner and Jarrett will have the advantage while Christian is unable to get involved. After a new referee gets to the ring, things will be under control. Due to the actions while the referee was out, Jarrett will prepare to finish off Sting with Sting’s own Scorpion Death Lock. This will give Sting his second wind and he will take advantage of both Steiner and Jarrett. Christian will help Sting get Steiner out of the equation but when Sting appears to have Jarrett finished off, Steiner will attack Sting. Steiner and Christian will fight outside the ring. Christian will accidentally knock Sting down and that will allow Jarrett to get the victory. After the match ends, Sting and Christian will have words and it will look like Christian will join forces with Jarrett, but Christian will hit the champion instead of Sting.
Prediction: Jeff Jarrett
A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels versus The Latin American Exchange (Homicide and Hernandez [with Konnan]) for the NWA World Tag Team Titles
With the end of the America’s Most Wanted versus Daniels and Styles feud because of America’s Most Wanted’s inability to win their final chance for the titles at Victory Road, it is time for the current World Tag Team champions to start facing new challengers. We saw the champions tell all of the tag teams in TNA, including the ones who are taking some time off that they have contracts for all of the teams. This match is the result of the Latin American Exchange taking advantage of that situation. We will find out on Sunday if the aggressive nature of the Latin American Exchange over the last month to try to win the World Tag Team Titles will cause A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels to forget what got them the titles in the first place. Will the new challengers for the tag titles revitalize the tag team division that appeared to be a little stagnant over the last few months? Will Styles and Daniels be able to counter the size and strength of Hernandez or will they become another victim of the LAX? Will Daniels and Styles need their ‘neutralizer’ to counter the influence of Konnan in the match? Of the matches on this pay per view, this is one of the two that I am looking forward to the most.
A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels have been the tag team champions for almost two months since their victory at Slammiversary. After chasing and catching America’s Most Wanted during the first half of 2006, they will be facing a new tag team in the Latin American Exchange. Based on the experience of the champions, it should not be a problem to change their focus from America’s Most Wanted to the Latin American Exchange. Another thing that Daniels and Styles should have no problem dealing with is the outside influence at ringside. Since their formation as a regular tag team at the start of 2006 after their great three way matches along with Samoa Joe, they have shown that they are one of the top tag teams in the company. Unlike other tag teams comprised of two top X Division wrestlers, Daniels and Styles have been able to win the titles. If they should fail to retain the titles on Sunday, will they try to regain the titles or will they move on to other ventures since either man could be a contender for the NWA World Heavyweight Titles. A.J. Styles has been one of the faces of TNA since the start of the company and he continues to be at the top of the ladder. A.J. has toned down his style a little from the early days of TNA but he continues to use the high impact moves when necessary. While Christopher Daniels is one of the top wrestlers in the country right now, he appears to be the one who gets forgotten when you talk about the best.
The challengers in this match are the hottest tag team in Total Nonstop Action wrestling right now. After being formed as a result of the breakdown of the 4 Live Kru, it appeared that the Latin American Exchange would languish in the mid card. After finishing their feud with the James Gang, they took some time away from the ring and Konnan joined Moody Jack Melendez at the Spanish Announce Table to do commentary for Impact. That allowed Konnan, Homicide, and Hernandez to set up their own ‘land’ within the Impact Zone. While they did not wrestle that often, they interjected themselves into the action when any of the wrestlers fought near the Spanish Announce Table. Then they were told that they needed to wrestle by the public face of TNA, Jim Cornette or they would not get paid. That lit a fire under the Latin American Exchange and they have returned to the ring and have taken no prisoners. While there are other teams who might have been expected to challenge A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels for the NWA World Tag Team Titles, Homicide and Hernandez have slipped under the radar and crossed the border into the number one contender spot. While Homicide and Hernandez are both top wrestlers, they have the intangible of Konnan at ringside who can distract the referee and get involved in the match when necessary to give the Latin American Exchange the edge to possibly win the titles. Homicide is one of the top wrestlers in the company and while he has not had the best run in his time in the company, he now appears to be wrestling at full strength. Homicide has shown the fans in Orlando what he can do and he has started to lay out wrestlers with the Gringo Killer. Hernandez is one of the wrestlers in TNA who has a lot of talent, but he sometimes is overlooked because of the others in the company. Hernandez was one of my MVPs of the Victory Road pay per view and he was impressive in the way that he was able to manhandle Ron Killings and Sonjay Dutt.
With the participants in this match, it has the potential to be the match of the night. I would expect to see the match start off with the Latin American Exchange trying to frustrate the champions. After those early attempts fail they will try to use underhanded methods to gain an advantage. While this will help the challengers for a period of time, the referee will notice Konnan’s influence in the match and that will allow the champions to get back into the match. Daniels and Styles will try to wear down Hernandez but the big man will be able to fight off most of their attempts until Daniels and Styles double team Hernandez. Homicide and Hernandez will regain control of the match and they will try to take the action outside the ring. While Styles and Daniels will be able to hold off the challengers for most of the match, they will fall victim to an attack by Konnan and that will allow Hernandez and Homicide to get the three count.
Prediction: Latin American Exchange
Senshi versus Petey Williams versus Jay Lethal for the X Division Title
If it is a pay per view, it must mean that Senshi makes his monthly appearance in Total Nonstop Action. This month, we know who his opponent is, and as a matter of fact, he has had a second opponent added to the match. Originally, Senshi’s opponent was going to be Petey Williams due to his victory in a five way match on a recent episode of Impact. This week, we found out that Jay Lethal has been added to the match. This match features three eras of the X Division. You have Senshi, who was one of the first champions when he wrestled as Low Ki and helped to establish the X Division in the early days of the company. Petey Williams was the champion during the early days in Orlando and transitioned the title into the era of Samoa Joe, Christopher Daniels, and A.J. Styles at the top of the X Division. Jay Lethal is one of the top young stars in the company and he has been able to show that he belongs with everyone in the X Division. It would appear that Senshi will be at the top of the X Division for a long time based on the way he has been used since his return to the company. We might see the man who will eventually take the title off Senshi in this match.
Senshi has been almost unstoppable since his return to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling and he has dominated the X Division the way that Samoa Joe did in his time in that division. Some people might not know that Senshi is the X Division champion because he does not wrestle that often on television. While he had a bit of a setback in a tag match, Senshi has rarely been in a situation where he was in danger of losing a match. Senshi has the mix of martial arts, mat wrestling, and high flying moves that will make him a force in the X Division, and the heavyweight division if he decides to challenge for the World Title. This match poses a potential problem for the champion since he does not have to be involved in the pinfall or submission that determines the winner. Senshi has a style that makes it hard for his opponents to get used to because it is different than most of the others in the X Division. If he goes up top and hits the double stomp it is all over.
Petey Williams has been one of the X Division wrestlers who has been under the radar during the time that Samoa Joe, Christopher Daniels, and A.J. Styles passed around the X Division title and dominated the title matches. Petey was one of the few who was in a title match other than the ‘big three’ between the end of 2005 and the start of 2006. In addition to being a forgotten member of the X Division, Petey is now a man without a country since the end of Team Canada. This will be Petey’s first major match without the influence of Team Canada at ringside, whether it be Scott D’Amore or one of his fellow team members. A victory or a strong showing will prove that Petey is still one of the top X Division wrestlers. While Senshi’s double stomp is a devastating move, the Canadian Destroyer is probably the most impressive finisher in the company.
Jay Lethal is the youngest man in the company as well as one of the top rising stars. Lethal has been consistent since his debut at the end of 2005 when he had one of the better Impact matches against Samoa Joe. He recently showed that he is able to hold his own in the ring against the NWA World Champion when he faced Jeff Jarrett for the title on a recent episode of Impact. Lethal’s athleticism and raw talent has helped him and his fellow Team USA members in the World X Cup. Lethal is able to mix different styles into his match and he appears to be a step ahead of his opponent at times. Even if he does not win the match on Sunday, he should be holding a title in the near future.
This match will start off with all three men trying to get the advantage, but they will often end in stalemates. After a few minutes, the champion will get the advantage as he focuses on Petey Williams with Jay Lethal out of the ring. Lethal will return to the ring and he will work on the champion. As the three men alternate working on each other, we will see a situation where all three men hit a high impact move to get the crowd going crazy. Williams and Lethal will work together to try to incapacitate the champion. Williams will get Senshi set up for the Canadian Destroyer but Lethal will stop Williams. After some back and forth between the three men, Senshi will send Lethal out of the ring and then he will get the three count on Williams after a double stomp.
Prediction: Senshi
James Gang versus The Naturals versus America’s Most Wanted versus Frankie Kazarian and Matt Bentley in a Contenders Match for the NWA World Tag Team Titles
The tag team division will be showcased in this match as four teams will vie to have the chance to wrestle the tag team champions, whether it be the team of A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels or the Latin American Exchange. This match features a number of interesting storylines and possibilities. With the volatility of the tag team division, it is possible that one team will have the thrill of getting a title match while another team might be on the verge of breaking up.
The James Gang have consistently claimed that they are the next NWA World Tag Team Champions so tonight is the time for them to show the fans that they are right. BG and Kip James have been involved in a feud with Team 3D and it appears that new life has been pumped into this team. Kip and BG also have the longest history together as a team so that should be a benefit for them. However, their age could be a factor, but it can be protected with the additional teams in the match. Their experience will allow them to pick their spots to maximize the result.
The Naturals have been together as a team for a while, but it has only been a few weeks that they have been under the tutelage of Shane Douglas. Since Shane Douglas has tried to return the team to the glory that they had when Chris Candido was their counselor, it has been a tough road for Chase Stevens and Andy Douglas. Shane Douglas has been a tough man to please and despite recent victories, they have not been providing Douglas with the results he was seeking. While Shane Douglas has been working the Naturals hard, will they have suffered too much to get the titles back.
America’s Most Wanted are multiple time tag team champions and they were the last tag team to hold the titles before A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels. While they have been the premier tag team in the company, there have been seeds of dissension between James Storm and Chris Harris. Over the last few weeks, there have been many times when it appears that they will be able to work together but something has happened that cost them the match. If Harris and Storm can work through their issues, they can return to the top of the tag team ladder. However, if they cannot get past their problems it might be the start of the end for America’s Most Wanted.
Frankie Kazarian and Matt Bentley were one of the most underrated tag teams in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling during 2004 and early 2005, but for some reason they were never given the chance to wrestle for the tag titles. After losing to Jeff Hammond at Against All Odds in 2005, Frankie Kazarian left the company and he recently returned at Victory Road to face Senshi. Frankie and Matt had a cockiness that made them one of the top tag teams. However, with the influx of new tag teams into the company, they are just another tag team trying to get a title match. After not tagging for almost eighteen months, they appear not to have lost anything as a team and they could surprise the other teams if they get too overconfident.
With the four teams in the match, it will be interesting to see how they plan for the match because it will be a first pinfall or submission to win the match. I would not be surprised to see teams go for the early victory. All four teams will be very aggressive during the match and they will also try to incapacitate one of the teams to get a bigger advantage. The intense training of the Naturals will help out as they will be able to fend off all three teams. In the end, America’s Most Wanted will get their signals crossed and that will allow Harris to hit Storm and the Naturals will get the rollup to get the title match.
Prediction: The Naturals
Chris Sabin versus Kevin Nash in a Number One Contender Match for the X Division Title
When you think of the X Division, I don’t know how many people would think of Kevin Nash, but that is what Total Nonstop Action Wrestling wants its fans to think of when talking about a division known for having the Ultimate X match. Over the last few months, Kevin Nash has been talking about how he wants to be the man in the part of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling that brings in all of the money. Sunday is the time for Nash to put up or shut up as he gets his chance to get an X Division Title match. Will Kevin Nash be able to achieve his dream of winning the X Division title or will Chris Sabin get his measure of revenge against Kevin Nash?
Chris Sabin has been the member of the X Division who appears to have the star label attached to him over the last year and a half, but he has not been able to break through. First, he was the fourth man in the division when A.J. Styles, Christopher Daniels, and Samoa Joe dominated the X Division. Now he is stuck in the shadow of Kevin Nash as Nash tries to dominate and destroy the X Division. Sabin has been able to improve in the ring and if given the chance, he could be one of the more dominant members of the division. Sabin was the captain of Team USA in the World X Cup and he appears to be the man that Jerry Lynn thinks can carry the X Division. Sabin will definitely have his hands full in this match and he has to deal with the fact that he already has a loss against Nash.
Kevin Nash is not the first name that you think of when you talk about the X Division, but if he can get past Chris Sabin on Sunday, he will be the man who faces the X Division champion for the title. Nash is best known for qualities that are the opposite of the X Division. Nash is trying to take advantage of the X Division for his own personal gain. If Nash is going to try to outwrestle Sabin, it might be an uphill road; but if he tries to do what helped him to be on the top of the mountain in the WWE and WCW then he could have a chance. It is possible that he might have his associates, Alex Shelley and Johnny Devine, at ringside with him.
This match will depend on whether Nash has anyone at ringside for him. If Nash has Devine or Shelley with him, he should be able to get the early advantage. Nash will be able to stop Sabin in the first few minutes of the match, but Nash will get too cocky and that will allow Sabin to get a chance to take Nash off his vertical base. Shelley and Devine will give Nash the chance to take control after they prevent Sabin from putting Nash away. Sabin will be able to use Shelley and Devine to his benefit, but eventually Sabin will fall victim to the numbers game. After the outside interference, Nash will hit the jackknife power bomb on Sabin to get the three count.
Prediction: Kevin Nash
Eric Young versus Johnny Devine
This match features two former Team Canada members who have taken different paths since their departure from Team Canada. While Johnny Devine has moved on to another group and aligned himself with Kevin Nash and Alex Shelley; Eric Young has moved on and has led a grass roots campaign to keep his job. This should also be an interesting match because of the amount of time that the two men spent together as members of Team Canada during the World X Cup. Jim Cornette has almost given Eric an ultimatum to win the match so it will be interesting to see if Alex Shelley gets involved in the match, especially since he is not scheduled to be in a match at the pay per view.
Eric Young is one of the top characters in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling and he is one of the wrestlers who you might recognize more for the intangibles than his in ring wrestling. That is a shame because Eric is a very capable wrestler, but his paranoia over Sting and the possibility that he would be fired by Jim Cornette has made Eric into a larger than life goofball. Eric is very capable in the ring and he will have the opportunity to show that against Johnny Devine. Eric appears to have taken a different route than his other teammates from Team Canada. The fans have embraced Eric as one of their own and he has reciprocated that in the Impact Zone. It is now time for Eric to show that he can be a serious wrestler and this is the perfect time to do it.
Johnny Devine was a member of Team Canada before he was replaced by A1 due to an injury that he suffered. Johnny has been in and out of Total Nonstop Action limbo and after being a part of Team Canada in the World X Cup, he emerged as a member of Alex Shelley’s group. Johnny is a good wrestler who should be able to show off what he can do on Sunday. His pairing with Alex Shelley and Kevin Nash has probable enhanced Johnny’s in ring abilities as well as add to his character.
With the ultimatum hanging over his head, I would not be surprised to see Eric Young try to get the quick victory over Devine, but he will be thwarted by Johnny. While Eric will try to follow the rules, Johnny will not be so nice and he will try to use the methods that he learned as a member of Team Canada to control the match. Alex Shelley and Kevin Nash’s influence on Devine will be felt and it will backfire on Devine, allowing Young to get the victory. After Young’s victory, I would expect to see him celebrate in the crowd with his fans.
Prediction: Eric Young
Brother Runt versus Abyss (with James Mitchell)
This is a match that some people who are fans of the ECW that existed in the 1990s will look forward to because it is the situation that Brother Runt thrived at during his time as Spike Dudley. This is the classic big man/little man match up but it is not a situation where there is a clear advantage for either wrestler. This match is a continuation of the six man tag match from Victory Road when Abyss teamed with the James Gang to face Team 3D. Now that Brother Ray and Brother Devon have taken some time off, they have left Brother Runt alone to make sure that he behaves. If you consider antagonizing a six foot eight inch, three hundred fifty pound monster ‘behaving’ then Brother Runt has done just that.
Brother Runt has been in and out of Total Nonstop Action during his run with the company. Brother Runt has always been a man who has never let his size get in the way of a challenge. Since he is going to be smaller than most of his opponents, Brother Runt has been able to succeed in a big man’s sport. Now that Brother Runt is ‘home alone’ in the Impact Zone it is his time to show Abyss what he can do in the ring. Brother Runt has tried to get the psychological advantage over Abyss with his recent actions on Impact including calling out the monster and then attacking him from above after Abyss’s match this week on Impact. Brother Runt will need to use his speed advantage to try to get the victory. If he is unable to counter the size and power advantage of Abyss, it could be a long night.
Abyss is one of the most consistent wrestlers in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling despite not being the one who is in the high profile angles or matches. When Abyss is in a match, you know that you are going to see one of the premiere big men in the business. While Abyss is formidable on his own, the fact that he has James Mitchell in his corner is another thing to provide Abyss with an advantage. The combination of James Mitchell and Abyss is one of the most dangerous in wrestling and the path of destruction that he has created has been impressive. Abyss has shown that despite not being the fastest wrestler, he is able to handle a smaller opponent. Abyss has been in the ring with the likes of A.J. Styles and Jeff Hardy and has been able to get the victories. Abyss will need to be careful because he is facing a man who is known as a ‘Giant Killer’.
While there is already a ‘Falls Count Anywhere’ match on the card, this match will likely not be limited to the six sided ring. The match will start off with Abyss trying to use his size advantage to corner his smaller opponent. However, Brother Runt will be able to avoid Abyss in the first few minutes of the match. James Mitchell will be the factor that gives Abyss an advantage in the match because he will be able to distract Brother Runt long enough to let Abyss take control. Brother Runt will be able to take it outside and that will give him the chance to use his agility advantage to control the match. Since he already used the platforms above the entrance chutes on Impact against Abyss, I would not be surprised to see him try it again. In the end, the size of Abyss will be too much for Brother Runt. However, I do not see this as the final battle between these two men and I can see the stakes raised as this feud continues.
Prediction: Abyss
Monty Brown versus Samoa Joe versus Rhino in a Falls Count Anywhere Match
While many people would expect to see Samoa Joe challenge for the NWA World Heavyweight Title, try to get the X Division title back, or continue his feud with Scott Steiner; he is a part of this triple threat match. Samoa Joe has inserted himself into the feud between Monty Brown and Rhino and thanks to Jim Cornette; it will be a falls count anywhere match. We have already seen these three men fight all over the Impact Zone whether it be as a part of a match or during a promo so these three men will familiar with their environments. Based on the people in the match, it is possible that the winner of this match could be the next man to challenge for the NWA World Heavyweight Title.
Monty Brown has been up and down on the card and has recently come back from an injury. At the end of 2004, it appeared that Monty Brown was destined to be the NWA World Heavyweight Champion at some point in 2005, but he did not beat Jeff Jarrett in his chance. Instead of continuing his feud with Jarrett, he joined forces with Jarrett and helped to keep the title around Jarrett’s waist. We found out that there was a price for Brown’s loyalty and it was another title match against Jarrett. Monty Brown has shown that he should be considered for NWA World Title contention; he has not reached that level lately. A strong performance on Sunday could vault Monty back into the title picture. However, if he does not perform strong on the pay per view, he could be stuck in the midcard.
Samoa Joe has been the most dominant wrestler in Total Nonstop Action wrestling during his time with the company. Samoa Joe has defeated every opponent placed in front of him, with the exception of Senshi; but that was due to interference by Scott Steiner. Samoa Joe had a reputation for being a ‘big man’ who could wrestle like a cruiserweight and he proved that during his X Division title runs. Over the last few months, it has appeared that Samoa Joe is destined for a run at the NWA World Heavyweight Title. It is a matter of when, not if, for Joe to have the NWA World Heavyweight Title. Joe mixes martial arts along with mat wrestling and he has taken professional wrestling in the United States to a new level. I would not be surprised to see Joe maintain his ‘undefeated’ status at least until he wins the World Title.
Rhino is a former NWA World Heavyweight Champion after winning the title from Jeff Jarrett at last year’s Bound for Glory. While he only held the title for two days (longer on television due to the delay in the broadcasts), he showed that he deserved to be the champion. Rhino made a strong impact when he debuted with the company last year and he has been a force in the company ever since. Rhino’s style will mix well with his two opponents in this match and it could be neutralized by the presence of Samoa Joe and Monty Brown. Once Rhino gets done with Monty Brown, I would not be surprised to see the War Machine get another shot at the NWA World Title, regardless of who holds the title.
In keeping with the name of the match, I would expect to see this match begin outside the ring, and even in the back. The early advantage will go to Rhino as Monty and Joe battle throughout the Impact Zone. Then Rhino will get more involved in the match as the battle continues. After a few minutes, we will finally see the wrestlers enter the ring, but it will be short lived. Brown will try to pounce Rhino or Joe while Rhino will try to gore Joe or Monty. Since Joe has experience in longer matches, his stamina will benefit him as he will be able to avoid his opponent’s finishers. Rhino and Monty will try to use the stages by the entrance chutes to their advantage. Rhino will get a table and he will try to gore Brown or Joe through the table. Rhino will gore Brown through the table, but because Rhino hits the table so hard, he will be incapacitated. That will allow Joe to finish off Brown and make him tap.
Prediction: Samoa Joe
Gail Kim versus Sirelda
This match is an extension of the recent feud over the World Tag Team Titles as the female participants from the six person tag match at Victory Road square off in the ring. It appears that Gail Kim has grown frustrated by the fact that her interference in America’s Most Wanted’s matches have been stopped due to the presence of Sirelda. Gail is out for revenge against the woman who helped take the title belts from Storm and Harris. This is the first women’s match on the monthly pay per views.
Gail Kim is one of the top female wrestlers in the United States and she has shown that she can hang with the guys based on her interference in matches involving America’s Most Wanted. Gail has been aligned with Jeff Jarrett as well as America’s Most Wanted; and she has had issues with Jackie Gayda. Gail will need to overcome the size and power disadvantages that she faces against Sirelda in this match. Gail will be able to use her experience to counter those deficiencies.
Sirelda was introduced as the ‘neutralizer’ for A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels to counter Gail Kim’s involvement in America’s Most Wanted’s title defenses. Her influence was felt almost immediately as she helped provide the difference in the match at Slammiversary when Daniels and Styles won the World Tag Team Titles. Sirelda possesses a size and power advantage over Gail Kim, but her inexperience could be a significant factor in this match.
With the increase in the women in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, it is good to see a women’s match. Based on Sirelda’s experience, I do not know if this will be a long match. I expect to see Sirelda try to use her size and power advantage on Gail. While this might work early in the match, Gail will be able to counter Sirelda and she will be able to control the match and get the victory. It was interesting that there was a match between Gail and Sirelda at the last Impact tapings that has not aired because Gail Kim was the one receiving the positive crowd reaction.
Prediction: Gail Kim
On the Pre-Show: A1 versus Ron Killings
Despite being on the pre-show, this could be one of the matches with the greatest storyline build. These two men have faced off numerous times but recently we have seen each man get their hand raised. This is being billed as the rubber match between the two to finish off this feud.
A1 is another one of the members of Team Canada who has been forced to fend for his own after Jim Cornette disbanded Team Canada a few weeks ago on Impact. During Team Canada’s run, he was used more at ringside and in tag matches than in singles competition, but he has been involved in a number of matches over the last few weeks and he has shown a lot of promise. A1 has also had the opportunity to get on the mic and he recently cut a promo about Ron Killings and his music. Will A1 be able to gain the psychological advantage over Ron Killings or will his comments fall on deaf ears as he gets his chance to get the last laugh with Ron Killings.
Ron Killings is a former NWA World Heavyweight Champion, but he has been up and down the card more than any wrestler currently on the roster. Ron was a part of the 3 Live Kru and the 4 Live Kru before Konnan decided to break up the band and take things over the border. Killings has shown that he has a lot of talent, but it seems like there is always something else that takes Killings’s spot. Ron has become a favorite of the Impact Zone with his rap song ‘What’s Up’. The question with Killings is whether he will be given the opportunity to get another World title shot.
Since this is going to be on the pre-show, it will probably be a five to seven minute match. I would not be surprised to see A1 try to get the advantage by trying to overpower Killings. However, A1’s inexperience relative to Killings will allow Killings to take control of the match. Killings will use his speed advantage to frustrate A1. A1 will be able to use his power advantage to regain control of the match. A1 will try for a power slam, but Killings will get out of the hold and that will lead to the axe kick and the three count.
Prediction: Ron Killings
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This Sunday is the latest pay per view offering from Total Nonstop Action Wrestling and like the previous twenty-one, it will emanate from Soundstage 21 at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. This month’s main event will feature Sting as he attempts to remove the cancer from TNA as well as win the NWA World Heavyweight Title as he faces Jeff Jarrett. Also on the pay per view, the Latin American Exchange will try to bring the NWA World Tag Team Titles ‘across the border’ as they face the current champions, A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels. We will also see Rhino, Monty Brown, and Samoa Joe square off in a Falls Count Anywhere match. In addition to those matches, we will find out the number one contenders for the X Division and Tag Team Titles. How will things unfold as Total Nonstop Wrestling gets closer to their first monthly pay per view outside of Orlando in October when Bound For Glory goes to Detroit?
Will Sting be able to add the NWA World Heavyweight Title to his list of accomplishments or will Jeff Jarrett be able to hold off another challenger to his title? What will Scott Steiner and Christian Cage in the corners for Jeff Jarrett and Sting mean for that match or will they be neutralized? Will Kevin Nash become the number one contender for the X Division title? Will Homicide and Hernandez be able to use their recent actions as a bridge to the NWA World Tag Team Titles or will Daniels and Styles successfully defend them? Who will emerge as the next challengers for the tag titles? Will Petey Williams be able to return to the top of the X Division ladder by defeating Senshi?
Here are the matches that have been announced for the pay per view:
Jeff Jarrett (with Scott Steiner) versus Sting (with Christian Cage) for the NWA World Heavyweight Title
This match is the result of Sting’s victory in the Road to Victory match at Victory Road. In the past, whenever Jeff Jarrett has defended his title, he has had someone get involved in the match to help Jarrett keep the title. This time, Jeff Jarrett will not be the only person with someone in their corner for the match. Thanks to Jim Cornette and Sting, Christian Cage will be at ringside to neutralize the influence of Scott Steiner. Will the presence of Captain Charisma be the thing that will give Sting the victory or will it be another night when an opponent is outwitted by Jeff Jarrett? Will we see Christian Cage ‘pull a Monty Brown at Destination X 2005’ and turn on Sting to help Jarrett win the title or will Christian prove Sting right that he can trust the man who was the last person to hold the World Title before Jarrett?
Jeff Jarrett has been the champion for this reign since Slammiversary when we saw Larry Zbyszko and Earl Hebner prevent Sting and Christian Cage from winning the King of the Mountain match. During the time that Total Nonstop Action Wrestling has been in Orlando, he has not been one of the more popular wrestlers. While he has not received the same ‘Jarrett Heat’ from his earlier title runs, Jarrett is definitely not one of the more popular wrestlers in the Impact Zone. Jarrett brings an older style of wrestling to counter the high flying exploits of the X Division. While Jarrett’s style is an ‘old school’ one, he handles the situation perfectly. One thing that has helped Jarrett during his time in the company has been the people with whom he has aligned. Jarrett has aligned himself with the likes of Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Monty Brown, America’s Most Wanted, and others. His latest ‘BFF’ is Scott Steiner and Steiner has been able to help Jarrett frustrate Sting and the rest of the company as he stays on top of the mountain. Scott Steiner does not have a match on the pay per view so he can focus on protecting Jarrett’s title run. There have been some potential cracks in the alliance and with Steiner not being able to get a title match, maybe Steiner will do the same thing that Monty Brown did and try to get a title match as payback to Jarrett. If you need someone in the company to be your ‘muscle’, I guess there isn’t a better choice than Scott Steiner. Steiner has been there for Jarrett since he debuted in March to take care of the returning Steve Borden. Jarrett does not have a good track record in Hard Justice pay per views since he lost the title to A.J. Styles in 2005 when Tito Ortiz knocked out Jarrett to allow Styles to get the three count.
Since Sting returned to Total Nonstop Action in January, he has had one goal and that is to get rid of Jeff Jarrett. On Sunday, he will get another chance to face Jarrett in the ring. This time it is in a one-on-one match and the stakes have been raised because it is for the NWA World Heavyweight Title. According to the Orlando fans, Sting still has ‘it’ and it is time to see if ‘it’ will include his first NWA World Title reign. Based on his performance over the past eight months, Sting is still able to hang with the wrestlers in the company. Sting has faced adversity in the past and has been able to overcome it despite the odds against him. While it always appears that he has been one step behind Jarrett due to Scott Steiner’s presence, this time it will be neutralized by Christian Cage. During the time that Sting has been back in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, his closest ally has been Christian Cage. That man will be in his corner on Sunday. There is a history of people who have been in the corner of an opponent of Jeff Jarrett only to join forces with Jarrett. Christian has appeared to be frustrated over the past few months with the attention that Sting has received, but when push comes to shove, Christian is there for Sting. Will that trust remain after Sunday night?
I think the match will start off with Steiner attempting to interfere in the match only to be stopped by the referee and Christian. Jarrett and Sting will fight outside the ring and Christian will keep Steiner from interfering for the first few minutes, but about five minutes into the match, Christian will be unable to stop Steiner from getting involved. While the involvement will be minimal, it will be enough to shift the momentum in the match to the champion. Sting will appear to have the match wrapped up but Steiner will pull the referee out and incapacitate the official. This will allow Steiner to attack Sting and all four men will get involved. Before another official can get to the ring, Steiner and Jarrett will have the advantage while Christian is unable to get involved. After a new referee gets to the ring, things will be under control. Due to the actions while the referee was out, Jarrett will prepare to finish off Sting with Sting’s own Scorpion Death Lock. This will give Sting his second wind and he will take advantage of both Steiner and Jarrett. Christian will help Sting get Steiner out of the equation but when Sting appears to have Jarrett finished off, Steiner will attack Sting. Steiner and Christian will fight outside the ring. Christian will accidentally knock Sting down and that will allow Jarrett to get the victory. After the match ends, Sting and Christian will have words and it will look like Christian will join forces with Jarrett, but Christian will hit the champion instead of Sting.
Prediction: Jeff Jarrett
A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels versus The Latin American Exchange (Homicide and Hernandez [with Konnan]) for the NWA World Tag Team Titles
With the end of the America’s Most Wanted versus Daniels and Styles feud because of America’s Most Wanted’s inability to win their final chance for the titles at Victory Road, it is time for the current World Tag Team champions to start facing new challengers. We saw the champions tell all of the tag teams in TNA, including the ones who are taking some time off that they have contracts for all of the teams. This match is the result of the Latin American Exchange taking advantage of that situation. We will find out on Sunday if the aggressive nature of the Latin American Exchange over the last month to try to win the World Tag Team Titles will cause A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels to forget what got them the titles in the first place. Will the new challengers for the tag titles revitalize the tag team division that appeared to be a little stagnant over the last few months? Will Styles and Daniels be able to counter the size and strength of Hernandez or will they become another victim of the LAX? Will Daniels and Styles need their ‘neutralizer’ to counter the influence of Konnan in the match? Of the matches on this pay per view, this is one of the two that I am looking forward to the most.
A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels have been the tag team champions for almost two months since their victory at Slammiversary. After chasing and catching America’s Most Wanted during the first half of 2006, they will be facing a new tag team in the Latin American Exchange. Based on the experience of the champions, it should not be a problem to change their focus from America’s Most Wanted to the Latin American Exchange. Another thing that Daniels and Styles should have no problem dealing with is the outside influence at ringside. Since their formation as a regular tag team at the start of 2006 after their great three way matches along with Samoa Joe, they have shown that they are one of the top tag teams in the company. Unlike other tag teams comprised of two top X Division wrestlers, Daniels and Styles have been able to win the titles. If they should fail to retain the titles on Sunday, will they try to regain the titles or will they move on to other ventures since either man could be a contender for the NWA World Heavyweight Titles. A.J. Styles has been one of the faces of TNA since the start of the company and he continues to be at the top of the ladder. A.J. has toned down his style a little from the early days of TNA but he continues to use the high impact moves when necessary. While Christopher Daniels is one of the top wrestlers in the country right now, he appears to be the one who gets forgotten when you talk about the best.
The challengers in this match are the hottest tag team in Total Nonstop Action wrestling right now. After being formed as a result of the breakdown of the 4 Live Kru, it appeared that the Latin American Exchange would languish in the mid card. After finishing their feud with the James Gang, they took some time away from the ring and Konnan joined Moody Jack Melendez at the Spanish Announce Table to do commentary for Impact. That allowed Konnan, Homicide, and Hernandez to set up their own ‘land’ within the Impact Zone. While they did not wrestle that often, they interjected themselves into the action when any of the wrestlers fought near the Spanish Announce Table. Then they were told that they needed to wrestle by the public face of TNA, Jim Cornette or they would not get paid. That lit a fire under the Latin American Exchange and they have returned to the ring and have taken no prisoners. While there are other teams who might have been expected to challenge A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels for the NWA World Tag Team Titles, Homicide and Hernandez have slipped under the radar and crossed the border into the number one contender spot. While Homicide and Hernandez are both top wrestlers, they have the intangible of Konnan at ringside who can distract the referee and get involved in the match when necessary to give the Latin American Exchange the edge to possibly win the titles. Homicide is one of the top wrestlers in the company and while he has not had the best run in his time in the company, he now appears to be wrestling at full strength. Homicide has shown the fans in Orlando what he can do and he has started to lay out wrestlers with the Gringo Killer. Hernandez is one of the wrestlers in TNA who has a lot of talent, but he sometimes is overlooked because of the others in the company. Hernandez was one of my MVPs of the Victory Road pay per view and he was impressive in the way that he was able to manhandle Ron Killings and Sonjay Dutt.
With the participants in this match, it has the potential to be the match of the night. I would expect to see the match start off with the Latin American Exchange trying to frustrate the champions. After those early attempts fail they will try to use underhanded methods to gain an advantage. While this will help the challengers for a period of time, the referee will notice Konnan’s influence in the match and that will allow the champions to get back into the match. Daniels and Styles will try to wear down Hernandez but the big man will be able to fight off most of their attempts until Daniels and Styles double team Hernandez. Homicide and Hernandez will regain control of the match and they will try to take the action outside the ring. While Styles and Daniels will be able to hold off the challengers for most of the match, they will fall victim to an attack by Konnan and that will allow Hernandez and Homicide to get the three count.
Prediction: Latin American Exchange
Senshi versus Petey Williams versus Jay Lethal for the X Division Title
If it is a pay per view, it must mean that Senshi makes his monthly appearance in Total Nonstop Action. This month, we know who his opponent is, and as a matter of fact, he has had a second opponent added to the match. Originally, Senshi’s opponent was going to be Petey Williams due to his victory in a five way match on a recent episode of Impact. This week, we found out that Jay Lethal has been added to the match. This match features three eras of the X Division. You have Senshi, who was one of the first champions when he wrestled as Low Ki and helped to establish the X Division in the early days of the company. Petey Williams was the champion during the early days in Orlando and transitioned the title into the era of Samoa Joe, Christopher Daniels, and A.J. Styles at the top of the X Division. Jay Lethal is one of the top young stars in the company and he has been able to show that he belongs with everyone in the X Division. It would appear that Senshi will be at the top of the X Division for a long time based on the way he has been used since his return to the company. We might see the man who will eventually take the title off Senshi in this match.
Senshi has been almost unstoppable since his return to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling and he has dominated the X Division the way that Samoa Joe did in his time in that division. Some people might not know that Senshi is the X Division champion because he does not wrestle that often on television. While he had a bit of a setback in a tag match, Senshi has rarely been in a situation where he was in danger of losing a match. Senshi has the mix of martial arts, mat wrestling, and high flying moves that will make him a force in the X Division, and the heavyweight division if he decides to challenge for the World Title. This match poses a potential problem for the champion since he does not have to be involved in the pinfall or submission that determines the winner. Senshi has a style that makes it hard for his opponents to get used to because it is different than most of the others in the X Division. If he goes up top and hits the double stomp it is all over.
Petey Williams has been one of the X Division wrestlers who has been under the radar during the time that Samoa Joe, Christopher Daniels, and A.J. Styles passed around the X Division title and dominated the title matches. Petey was one of the few who was in a title match other than the ‘big three’ between the end of 2005 and the start of 2006. In addition to being a forgotten member of the X Division, Petey is now a man without a country since the end of Team Canada. This will be Petey’s first major match without the influence of Team Canada at ringside, whether it be Scott D’Amore or one of his fellow team members. A victory or a strong showing will prove that Petey is still one of the top X Division wrestlers. While Senshi’s double stomp is a devastating move, the Canadian Destroyer is probably the most impressive finisher in the company.
Jay Lethal is the youngest man in the company as well as one of the top rising stars. Lethal has been consistent since his debut at the end of 2005 when he had one of the better Impact matches against Samoa Joe. He recently showed that he is able to hold his own in the ring against the NWA World Champion when he faced Jeff Jarrett for the title on a recent episode of Impact. Lethal’s athleticism and raw talent has helped him and his fellow Team USA members in the World X Cup. Lethal is able to mix different styles into his match and he appears to be a step ahead of his opponent at times. Even if he does not win the match on Sunday, he should be holding a title in the near future.
This match will start off with all three men trying to get the advantage, but they will often end in stalemates. After a few minutes, the champion will get the advantage as he focuses on Petey Williams with Jay Lethal out of the ring. Lethal will return to the ring and he will work on the champion. As the three men alternate working on each other, we will see a situation where all three men hit a high impact move to get the crowd going crazy. Williams and Lethal will work together to try to incapacitate the champion. Williams will get Senshi set up for the Canadian Destroyer but Lethal will stop Williams. After some back and forth between the three men, Senshi will send Lethal out of the ring and then he will get the three count on Williams after a double stomp.
Prediction: Senshi
James Gang versus The Naturals versus America’s Most Wanted versus Frankie Kazarian and Matt Bentley in a Contenders Match for the NWA World Tag Team Titles
The tag team division will be showcased in this match as four teams will vie to have the chance to wrestle the tag team champions, whether it be the team of A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels or the Latin American Exchange. This match features a number of interesting storylines and possibilities. With the volatility of the tag team division, it is possible that one team will have the thrill of getting a title match while another team might be on the verge of breaking up.
The James Gang have consistently claimed that they are the next NWA World Tag Team Champions so tonight is the time for them to show the fans that they are right. BG and Kip James have been involved in a feud with Team 3D and it appears that new life has been pumped into this team. Kip and BG also have the longest history together as a team so that should be a benefit for them. However, their age could be a factor, but it can be protected with the additional teams in the match. Their experience will allow them to pick their spots to maximize the result.
The Naturals have been together as a team for a while, but it has only been a few weeks that they have been under the tutelage of Shane Douglas. Since Shane Douglas has tried to return the team to the glory that they had when Chris Candido was their counselor, it has been a tough road for Chase Stevens and Andy Douglas. Shane Douglas has been a tough man to please and despite recent victories, they have not been providing Douglas with the results he was seeking. While Shane Douglas has been working the Naturals hard, will they have suffered too much to get the titles back.
America’s Most Wanted are multiple time tag team champions and they were the last tag team to hold the titles before A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels. While they have been the premier tag team in the company, there have been seeds of dissension between James Storm and Chris Harris. Over the last few weeks, there have been many times when it appears that they will be able to work together but something has happened that cost them the match. If Harris and Storm can work through their issues, they can return to the top of the tag team ladder. However, if they cannot get past their problems it might be the start of the end for America’s Most Wanted.
Frankie Kazarian and Matt Bentley were one of the most underrated tag teams in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling during 2004 and early 2005, but for some reason they were never given the chance to wrestle for the tag titles. After losing to Jeff Hammond at Against All Odds in 2005, Frankie Kazarian left the company and he recently returned at Victory Road to face Senshi. Frankie and Matt had a cockiness that made them one of the top tag teams. However, with the influx of new tag teams into the company, they are just another tag team trying to get a title match. After not tagging for almost eighteen months, they appear not to have lost anything as a team and they could surprise the other teams if they get too overconfident.
With the four teams in the match, it will be interesting to see how they plan for the match because it will be a first pinfall or submission to win the match. I would not be surprised to see teams go for the early victory. All four teams will be very aggressive during the match and they will also try to incapacitate one of the teams to get a bigger advantage. The intense training of the Naturals will help out as they will be able to fend off all three teams. In the end, America’s Most Wanted will get their signals crossed and that will allow Harris to hit Storm and the Naturals will get the rollup to get the title match.
Prediction: The Naturals
Chris Sabin versus Kevin Nash in a Number One Contender Match for the X Division Title
When you think of the X Division, I don’t know how many people would think of Kevin Nash, but that is what Total Nonstop Action Wrestling wants its fans to think of when talking about a division known for having the Ultimate X match. Over the last few months, Kevin Nash has been talking about how he wants to be the man in the part of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling that brings in all of the money. Sunday is the time for Nash to put up or shut up as he gets his chance to get an X Division Title match. Will Kevin Nash be able to achieve his dream of winning the X Division title or will Chris Sabin get his measure of revenge against Kevin Nash?
Chris Sabin has been the member of the X Division who appears to have the star label attached to him over the last year and a half, but he has not been able to break through. First, he was the fourth man in the division when A.J. Styles, Christopher Daniels, and Samoa Joe dominated the X Division. Now he is stuck in the shadow of Kevin Nash as Nash tries to dominate and destroy the X Division. Sabin has been able to improve in the ring and if given the chance, he could be one of the more dominant members of the division. Sabin was the captain of Team USA in the World X Cup and he appears to be the man that Jerry Lynn thinks can carry the X Division. Sabin will definitely have his hands full in this match and he has to deal with the fact that he already has a loss against Nash.
Kevin Nash is not the first name that you think of when you talk about the X Division, but if he can get past Chris Sabin on Sunday, he will be the man who faces the X Division champion for the title. Nash is best known for qualities that are the opposite of the X Division. Nash is trying to take advantage of the X Division for his own personal gain. If Nash is going to try to outwrestle Sabin, it might be an uphill road; but if he tries to do what helped him to be on the top of the mountain in the WWE and WCW then he could have a chance. It is possible that he might have his associates, Alex Shelley and Johnny Devine, at ringside with him.
This match will depend on whether Nash has anyone at ringside for him. If Nash has Devine or Shelley with him, he should be able to get the early advantage. Nash will be able to stop Sabin in the first few minutes of the match, but Nash will get too cocky and that will allow Sabin to get a chance to take Nash off his vertical base. Shelley and Devine will give Nash the chance to take control after they prevent Sabin from putting Nash away. Sabin will be able to use Shelley and Devine to his benefit, but eventually Sabin will fall victim to the numbers game. After the outside interference, Nash will hit the jackknife power bomb on Sabin to get the three count.
Prediction: Kevin Nash
Eric Young versus Johnny Devine
This match features two former Team Canada members who have taken different paths since their departure from Team Canada. While Johnny Devine has moved on to another group and aligned himself with Kevin Nash and Alex Shelley; Eric Young has moved on and has led a grass roots campaign to keep his job. This should also be an interesting match because of the amount of time that the two men spent together as members of Team Canada during the World X Cup. Jim Cornette has almost given Eric an ultimatum to win the match so it will be interesting to see if Alex Shelley gets involved in the match, especially since he is not scheduled to be in a match at the pay per view.
Eric Young is one of the top characters in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling and he is one of the wrestlers who you might recognize more for the intangibles than his in ring wrestling. That is a shame because Eric is a very capable wrestler, but his paranoia over Sting and the possibility that he would be fired by Jim Cornette has made Eric into a larger than life goofball. Eric is very capable in the ring and he will have the opportunity to show that against Johnny Devine. Eric appears to have taken a different route than his other teammates from Team Canada. The fans have embraced Eric as one of their own and he has reciprocated that in the Impact Zone. It is now time for Eric to show that he can be a serious wrestler and this is the perfect time to do it.
Johnny Devine was a member of Team Canada before he was replaced by A1 due to an injury that he suffered. Johnny has been in and out of Total Nonstop Action limbo and after being a part of Team Canada in the World X Cup, he emerged as a member of Alex Shelley’s group. Johnny is a good wrestler who should be able to show off what he can do on Sunday. His pairing with Alex Shelley and Kevin Nash has probable enhanced Johnny’s in ring abilities as well as add to his character.
With the ultimatum hanging over his head, I would not be surprised to see Eric Young try to get the quick victory over Devine, but he will be thwarted by Johnny. While Eric will try to follow the rules, Johnny will not be so nice and he will try to use the methods that he learned as a member of Team Canada to control the match. Alex Shelley and Kevin Nash’s influence on Devine will be felt and it will backfire on Devine, allowing Young to get the victory. After Young’s victory, I would expect to see him celebrate in the crowd with his fans.
Prediction: Eric Young
Brother Runt versus Abyss (with James Mitchell)
This is a match that some people who are fans of the ECW that existed in the 1990s will look forward to because it is the situation that Brother Runt thrived at during his time as Spike Dudley. This is the classic big man/little man match up but it is not a situation where there is a clear advantage for either wrestler. This match is a continuation of the six man tag match from Victory Road when Abyss teamed with the James Gang to face Team 3D. Now that Brother Ray and Brother Devon have taken some time off, they have left Brother Runt alone to make sure that he behaves. If you consider antagonizing a six foot eight inch, three hundred fifty pound monster ‘behaving’ then Brother Runt has done just that.
Brother Runt has been in and out of Total Nonstop Action during his run with the company. Brother Runt has always been a man who has never let his size get in the way of a challenge. Since he is going to be smaller than most of his opponents, Brother Runt has been able to succeed in a big man’s sport. Now that Brother Runt is ‘home alone’ in the Impact Zone it is his time to show Abyss what he can do in the ring. Brother Runt has tried to get the psychological advantage over Abyss with his recent actions on Impact including calling out the monster and then attacking him from above after Abyss’s match this week on Impact. Brother Runt will need to use his speed advantage to try to get the victory. If he is unable to counter the size and power advantage of Abyss, it could be a long night.
Abyss is one of the most consistent wrestlers in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling despite not being the one who is in the high profile angles or matches. When Abyss is in a match, you know that you are going to see one of the premiere big men in the business. While Abyss is formidable on his own, the fact that he has James Mitchell in his corner is another thing to provide Abyss with an advantage. The combination of James Mitchell and Abyss is one of the most dangerous in wrestling and the path of destruction that he has created has been impressive. Abyss has shown that despite not being the fastest wrestler, he is able to handle a smaller opponent. Abyss has been in the ring with the likes of A.J. Styles and Jeff Hardy and has been able to get the victories. Abyss will need to be careful because he is facing a man who is known as a ‘Giant Killer’.
While there is already a ‘Falls Count Anywhere’ match on the card, this match will likely not be limited to the six sided ring. The match will start off with Abyss trying to use his size advantage to corner his smaller opponent. However, Brother Runt will be able to avoid Abyss in the first few minutes of the match. James Mitchell will be the factor that gives Abyss an advantage in the match because he will be able to distract Brother Runt long enough to let Abyss take control. Brother Runt will be able to take it outside and that will give him the chance to use his agility advantage to control the match. Since he already used the platforms above the entrance chutes on Impact against Abyss, I would not be surprised to see him try it again. In the end, the size of Abyss will be too much for Brother Runt. However, I do not see this as the final battle between these two men and I can see the stakes raised as this feud continues.
Prediction: Abyss
Monty Brown versus Samoa Joe versus Rhino in a Falls Count Anywhere Match
While many people would expect to see Samoa Joe challenge for the NWA World Heavyweight Title, try to get the X Division title back, or continue his feud with Scott Steiner; he is a part of this triple threat match. Samoa Joe has inserted himself into the feud between Monty Brown and Rhino and thanks to Jim Cornette; it will be a falls count anywhere match. We have already seen these three men fight all over the Impact Zone whether it be as a part of a match or during a promo so these three men will familiar with their environments. Based on the people in the match, it is possible that the winner of this match could be the next man to challenge for the NWA World Heavyweight Title.
Monty Brown has been up and down on the card and has recently come back from an injury. At the end of 2004, it appeared that Monty Brown was destined to be the NWA World Heavyweight Champion at some point in 2005, but he did not beat Jeff Jarrett in his chance. Instead of continuing his feud with Jarrett, he joined forces with Jarrett and helped to keep the title around Jarrett’s waist. We found out that there was a price for Brown’s loyalty and it was another title match against Jarrett. Monty Brown has shown that he should be considered for NWA World Title contention; he has not reached that level lately. A strong performance on Sunday could vault Monty back into the title picture. However, if he does not perform strong on the pay per view, he could be stuck in the midcard.
Samoa Joe has been the most dominant wrestler in Total Nonstop Action wrestling during his time with the company. Samoa Joe has defeated every opponent placed in front of him, with the exception of Senshi; but that was due to interference by Scott Steiner. Samoa Joe had a reputation for being a ‘big man’ who could wrestle like a cruiserweight and he proved that during his X Division title runs. Over the last few months, it has appeared that Samoa Joe is destined for a run at the NWA World Heavyweight Title. It is a matter of when, not if, for Joe to have the NWA World Heavyweight Title. Joe mixes martial arts along with mat wrestling and he has taken professional wrestling in the United States to a new level. I would not be surprised to see Joe maintain his ‘undefeated’ status at least until he wins the World Title.
Rhino is a former NWA World Heavyweight Champion after winning the title from Jeff Jarrett at last year’s Bound for Glory. While he only held the title for two days (longer on television due to the delay in the broadcasts), he showed that he deserved to be the champion. Rhino made a strong impact when he debuted with the company last year and he has been a force in the company ever since. Rhino’s style will mix well with his two opponents in this match and it could be neutralized by the presence of Samoa Joe and Monty Brown. Once Rhino gets done with Monty Brown, I would not be surprised to see the War Machine get another shot at the NWA World Title, regardless of who holds the title.
In keeping with the name of the match, I would expect to see this match begin outside the ring, and even in the back. The early advantage will go to Rhino as Monty and Joe battle throughout the Impact Zone. Then Rhino will get more involved in the match as the battle continues. After a few minutes, we will finally see the wrestlers enter the ring, but it will be short lived. Brown will try to pounce Rhino or Joe while Rhino will try to gore Joe or Monty. Since Joe has experience in longer matches, his stamina will benefit him as he will be able to avoid his opponent’s finishers. Rhino and Monty will try to use the stages by the entrance chutes to their advantage. Rhino will get a table and he will try to gore Brown or Joe through the table. Rhino will gore Brown through the table, but because Rhino hits the table so hard, he will be incapacitated. That will allow Joe to finish off Brown and make him tap.
Prediction: Samoa Joe
Gail Kim versus Sirelda
This match is an extension of the recent feud over the World Tag Team Titles as the female participants from the six person tag match at Victory Road square off in the ring. It appears that Gail Kim has grown frustrated by the fact that her interference in America’s Most Wanted’s matches have been stopped due to the presence of Sirelda. Gail is out for revenge against the woman who helped take the title belts from Storm and Harris. This is the first women’s match on the monthly pay per views.
Gail Kim is one of the top female wrestlers in the United States and she has shown that she can hang with the guys based on her interference in matches involving America’s Most Wanted. Gail has been aligned with Jeff Jarrett as well as America’s Most Wanted; and she has had issues with Jackie Gayda. Gail will need to overcome the size and power disadvantages that she faces against Sirelda in this match. Gail will be able to use her experience to counter those deficiencies.
Sirelda was introduced as the ‘neutralizer’ for A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels to counter Gail Kim’s involvement in America’s Most Wanted’s title defenses. Her influence was felt almost immediately as she helped provide the difference in the match at Slammiversary when Daniels and Styles won the World Tag Team Titles. Sirelda possesses a size and power advantage over Gail Kim, but her inexperience could be a significant factor in this match.
With the increase in the women in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, it is good to see a women’s match. Based on Sirelda’s experience, I do not know if this will be a long match. I expect to see Sirelda try to use her size and power advantage on Gail. While this might work early in the match, Gail will be able to counter Sirelda and she will be able to control the match and get the victory. It was interesting that there was a match between Gail and Sirelda at the last Impact tapings that has not aired because Gail Kim was the one receiving the positive crowd reaction.
Prediction: Gail Kim
On the Pre-Show: A1 versus Ron Killings
Despite being on the pre-show, this could be one of the matches with the greatest storyline build. These two men have faced off numerous times but recently we have seen each man get their hand raised. This is being billed as the rubber match between the two to finish off this feud.
A1 is another one of the members of Team Canada who has been forced to fend for his own after Jim Cornette disbanded Team Canada a few weeks ago on Impact. During Team Canada’s run, he was used more at ringside and in tag matches than in singles competition, but he has been involved in a number of matches over the last few weeks and he has shown a lot of promise. A1 has also had the opportunity to get on the mic and he recently cut a promo about Ron Killings and his music. Will A1 be able to gain the psychological advantage over Ron Killings or will his comments fall on deaf ears as he gets his chance to get the last laugh with Ron Killings.
Ron Killings is a former NWA World Heavyweight Champion, but he has been up and down the card more than any wrestler currently on the roster. Ron was a part of the 3 Live Kru and the 4 Live Kru before Konnan decided to break up the band and take things over the border. Killings has shown that he has a lot of talent, but it seems like there is always something else that takes Killings’s spot. Ron has become a favorite of the Impact Zone with his rap song ‘What’s Up’. The question with Killings is whether he will be given the opportunity to get another World title shot.
Since this is going to be on the pre-show, it will probably be a five to seven minute match. I would not be surprised to see A1 try to get the advantage by trying to overpower Killings. However, A1’s inexperience relative to Killings will allow Killings to take control of the match. Killings will use his speed advantage to frustrate A1. A1 will be able to use his power advantage to regain control of the match. A1 will try for a power slam, but Killings will get out of the hold and that will lead to the axe kick and the three count.
Prediction: Ron Killings